Seeing Bea in the Roaring 20’s

I attended the Manitoba Book Awards on Saturday night, for the first time. My novel, Empty Cup, was shortlisted in the McNally Robinson Book for Young People, older category. I didn’t win, but having my first novel shortlisted is a true honour. I congratulate the winner, Eva Wiseman for her book The World Outside.

As I mentioned in a previous post, my publisher, Rebelight Publishing, had two of their inaugural novels in the same category. Empty Cup was nominated along side Larry Verstraete’s Missing in Paradise. An incredible feat for a new small publisher.

The theme of the night was the roaring 20’s!

Here is my writers’ group, The Anita Factor, all dressed up with some place to go.

It’s pretty incredible really – seven Anita’s have been published in the last twelve months. It’s been a wild year.

And the winner is!

Fellow Anita and Rebelight Publishing owner, Melanie Matheson, won in the McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People, younger category, for her picture book, Hokey Dowa Gerda and the Snowflake Girl. Congrats again my dear friend!

An absolute highlight for me was seeing Beatrice Mosionier, author of The Search for April Raintree. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the best picture, but I was stoked just the same. This is one of those books that everyone should read.I was hoping to meet her afterwards, but I couldn‘t find her in the crowd. Still, this is the author of the highest selling book of any Manitoba author. An new award recognizing aboriginal writers was named after her. I could go on and on, I was starstruck.

The Manitoba Book Awards was a truly wonderful experience and one that I look forward to taking in annually.

I would highly encourage people to check out different awards programs in their areas. You may be surprised what or who you discover!

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Empty Cup

On the night of her 17th birthday, her mother's new boyfriend leaves Raven broken and bleeding. Her mom blames her and kicks Raven out of the house on a frigid winter night. As Raven struggles with the aftermath of the ultimate betrayal, she finds solace in her imagination and a concerned teacher. She discovers that real change begins within.

Recognition for Empty Cup

Shortlisted for the Manitoba Book Awards, McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People, older category, 2015

Listed in Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2015 edition.

Read Empty Cup!

“Not an easy story but an important one. Compelling, powerful and engaging.”
~ Eric Walters, author of Power Play.